The NSW government is being accused of trying to make money out of efforts to preserve thousands of hectares of land on the edge of the Blue Mountains.
In November 2021, it was declared 30,000 hectares of the Gardens of Stone north of Lithgow would become a state conservation area, with the Premier Dominic Perrottet labelling it the "most important environmental announcement this government has ever made".
Conservation groups have spent years fighting to achieve this, but now hold concerns it could do more harm than good.
If the preliminary plans are approved, the landscape would become home to Australia's longest zip-line, a rock-climbing route, canyon walk, 4WD circuit and mountain bike trails.
The government's plans differ from what had originally been proposed by a group, called the Gardens of Stone Alliance, which wanted low-impact eco-tourism ventures, like bushwalking and camping.
"[The government] is thinking that will generate more people, more money into the area at a quicker rate," Julie Favell from the Lithgow Environment Group said.
The goal is to attract another 200,000 visitors each year and create about 200 jobs in nearby Lithgow.
The existing Gardens of Stone National Park and Wollemi National Park will both be expanded.
The government has set aside $50 million to help save endangered plant and animal species and protect globally significant pagodas, threatened swamps, and Aboriginal places.
Koalas, spotted-tailed quolls and regent honeyeaters are some precious species which call it home.
But Ms Favell said this funding was not enough to undertake real conservation work such as employing additional environmental officers.
Mining ploughs on
The declaration does not affect existing or future mining activities, such as Centennial Coal's Springvale operation.
In a statement, the company said "our current and future mining operations will continue to coexist with the new state conservation area which will deliver further economic diversity for our Lithgow community."
"Centennial will continue to monitor for environmental performance and impact across the Newnes Plateau".
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the arrangement to have mining activity in a SCA was not unusual.
"It's about a balance that recognises that existing coal mining interests and the economic value of that to the economy at Lithgow, whilst doing everything we can to help to protect those natural values," said David Crust, director of NPWS Blue Mountains branch.
Indigenous groups shocked
Aboriginal groups have accused the government of not consulting local Wiradjuri people over its plans for the "sacred" area.
Jack Pennell from The Warrabinga Native Title Claimants said the group found out about it in the media.
He feared an influx of visitors could result in damage to burial sites, artefacts, and caves.
"They don't really care what us Aboriginals think or feel they just go and do it," Mr Pennell said.
The Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional custodians of the area, said they were also blindsided.
The group looks after the Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place where there is rock art which is thousands of years old.
Wiradjuri elder Aunty Helen Riley said she felt "sick" when she heard the announcement, and it makes her question if the NPWS can be trusted with the care of culturally significant places.
Mr Crust from NPWS said "we're absolutely committed to working with them and involving them in the management of the new reserves".
The NSW Environment Minister James Griffin declined the ABC's request for an interview.
